Commissioning 30 MPTA Plant, Leone Rock Pays NLE 99 Million to Mining Communities
President Julius Maada Bio on Wednesday commissioned Phase II of the 30 million tonnes per annum magnetite processing plant operated by Leone Rock Metal Group and oversaw the payment of the fifth Community Development Agreement (CDA) fund to host communities, reaffirming government’s commitment to ensuring that the country’s natural resources translate into tangible benefits for its people.
Delivering his keynote address, President Bio said the event demonstrates a fundamental principle that Sierra Leone’s natural resources must be converted into real financial gains for citizens. He disclosed that this year’s CDA payment amounts to $4.3 million, equivalent to NLE 99 million, and urged all stakeholders to manage the funds with integrity to ensure they reach intended beneficiaries. He commended Leone Rock for its continued contributions, including support to the national Premier League, and noted that the new plant represents long-term economic security for the country. He emphasized that Sierra Leone has moved past an era where minerals were exported without meaningful national benefit. He described the commissioning as a sign that the country is taking control of its resources.
Chairing the ceremony, Resident Minister North East Ibrahim Jalloh thanked the president for his leadership in ensuring that mining communities benefit more from extractive activities. He also commended the leadership of the three chiefdoms for the prudent use of previous CDA funds to support development initiatives.
In his welcome address, Paramount Chief Bockarie Yelen Koroma III of Dansogoia Chiefdom expressed appreciation to the government and Leone Rock for their continued engagement with host communities. While acknowledging ongoing progress, he appealed to the company to address additional developmental concerns affecting other areas within the chiefdoms.
Leone Rock’s Chief Technical Officer, Salim Sillah, highlighted the impact of the CDA framework, describing it as inclusive of all relevant stakeholders and sustainable in delivering long-term benefits. He revealed that the company has provided scholarships to over 700 students across mining communities, is supporting technical training for youths to prepare them for future leadership roles, and is currently paying over 260 teachers in the three host chiefdoms. He added that the company supported 626 women last year with over NLE 1 million to engage in business activities and has constructed a fully functional solar-powered health center aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality.
Representing Members of Parliament from primary host communities, Hon. Foyoh Tholley described the CDA payment as a significant milestone, noting that unlike in the past, mining communities are now seeing tangible benefits from resource extraction. He stressed that the funds are not charitable donations but legal obligations, and assured that Parliamentarians continues to monitor their implementation to ensure accountability.
Managing Director Zhang Yongping of Leone Rock Metal Group expressed gratitude to the government and local communities for enabling the company’s operations, pledging continued compliance with CDA commitments.
The Chinese Ambassador to Sierra Leone, Zhao Yong, described the occasion as historic and reaffirmed China’s long-standing relationship with Sierra Leone, expressing hope for continued cooperation and development.
Minister of Mines and Mineral Resources Julius Mattai said the commissioning and CDA payment reflect the impact of visionary leadership, describing the funds as a tool for community empowerment. He urged stakeholders to utilize the resources responsibly to drive sustainable development, adding that the new plant will not only boost company revenue but also create employment opportunities for Sierra Leoneans.
The Community Development Agreement framework, introduced as part of Sierra Leone’s mining governance reforms, mandates mining companies to allocate a percentage of their revenues directly to host communities for development projects. Previous CDA payments by Leone Rock have funded infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, water systems, and livelihood programs across Tonkolili District. Community leaders have reported gradual improvements in access to education and healthcare.
Leone Rock Metal Group, a subsidiary of the Kingho Investment Company Limited, took over the operations of the former Shandong Iron Ore Mines in Tonkolili District. Since commencing operations, the company has focused on the extraction and processing of iron ore, particularly magnetite, positioning itself as a major player in Sierra Leone’s mining sector. Its investments in processing infrastructure, including the newly commissioned Phase II plant, are aimed at increasing production capacity and adding value locally, in line with the government’s broader strategy to maximize benefits from the country’s mineral resources.
